Sun Sep 22 20:11:48 UTC 2024: ## India Wins Gold at Chess Olympiad for the First Time Ever
**Chennai, India:** India has made history in the world of chess, as both its men’s and women’s teams secured gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad. This is the first time India has achieved this feat in the tournament.
The Indian men’s team, led by D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanandhaa, defeated Slovenia 3.5-0.5 in the final round. Meanwhile, the women’s team beat Azerbaijan by the same score, with D. Harika, Vantika Agrawal, and R. Vaishali leading the charge.
The Indian men’s team had previously won bronze medals at the Olympiad in 2014 and 2022, while the women’s team claimed bronze in 2022 in Chennai.
The victory is a testament to the growing strength of Indian chess, with young stars like Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa showcasing their talent on the world stage. The presence of chess legend Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, at the arena added to the occasion.
The Indian men’s team collected 21 points out of a possible 22, only drawing against Uzbekistan. The women’s team, needing a win to clinch gold, secured 19 points, with their final victory against Azerbaijan cementing their historic triumph.
This win signifies a new era for Indian chess, marking a significant step forward for the nation in the sport.
First Piper 